Get Up & Go

Between 40 and 50 million Americans lead sedentary lifestyles. Their job is sitting in front of a computer. They drive everywhere. And when they're at home, they don't do a whole lot of house or yard work. An ongoing research project known as the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study has involved more than 80,000 people since 1970. Findings to date suggest that a poor level of fitness accounts for 16% of all deaths nationwide.

The Bigger Picture: That 16% figure was determined by estimating the number of deaths that could have been avoided by walking just 30 minutes a day. There's serious motivation for people who haven't been active in more than a little while. Get up off the sofa and go for a walk. Then gradually work your way into even better shape.